Mar. 2- 3 | Discover Culture and Cuisine at the Japanese Food Festival in InterContinental DTLA!

The Japanese Food Festival, probably the biggest event of the year specializing in introducing Japanese culture and cuisine to the masses, is happening this year on March 2-3, 2018 at the Intercontinental DTLA!

Disclosure: I had the pleasure of going to the media preview as a guest and had the opportunity to sample yummy and delicious.

I met Chef Andy Matsuda again! I previously saw him do a poke demonstration at another Japanese event that was for restaurant owners. I don't know how I got invited to that event, but it was so dang awesome! Anyway, this time, at the media preview for Japanese Food Festival, Chef Andy was demonstrating how he prepares blue fin tuna! The event brought in a gigantic blue fin tuna and the crowd went crazy! Unfortunately, I am way too short so I wasn't able to spectate any of the process.

These oysters tasted amazing!

There will be ramen as well from different styles! I wasn't able to try any that day because I was too full, but it looked delicious!

mmmmmmmmmmmm doesn't this look so beautiful!?

Ingredients and toppings for making okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake)!!

Omgg these were so delicious but it got me so full because it's so filling!

Japanese fried chicken: Karaage

Ceviche tacos with fried seaweed taco shells! I loved eating these. The fish tasted super fresh and slightly seasoned (so you can taste more of the fish) which went well with the crunchiness of the seaweed.

One of my favorite things to eat are gyoza, or Japanese pan-fried dumplings. THESE ARE SO DELICIOUS!

Takoyaki freshly made! (Japanese octopus balls)

I love eating takoyaki with the kewpie mayonaise (sweet goodness), bonito flakes (used to think these were alive because it moves in the breeze), and the okonomiyaki sauce!

Chef Andy Matsuda doin` work on some tuna! YUMM

Can you tell I love Japanese culture and cuisine?
I've lived in Japan before and also studied abroad there. I love visiting Japan every few years because I feel like there is always something new to see and experience. I even get "homesick" for missing Japan too much so I am glad there are awesome events here in SoCal that promote Japanese culture. It's just so nostalgic to experience food and festivals without stepping on a plane!

The Japanese Food Festival is one of those events that strives to be as inclusive as possible by introducing many different Japanese food. There will be more than just the typical ramen and sushi. There's much more to Japanese food then that, and y'all can discover it at this event!

One of my favorite things at the media preview was seeing the excitement on everyone's faces introducing their dishes. Waku Waku Shitemashita!

Anyway, if you wanna go to the festival (and y'all totes should if you are interested in Japanese food and culture), here is the info you need:

Over 50 exhibitors!

50+ Exhibitors featuring various foods and including exclusives not yet in wide distribution in the US

Arrive early! The earlier the better so that you can find parking and arrive to the event with all the food ready for you to devour first!

No need to print out your ticket as long as you can show it on your phone for the barcode to be scanned!

Parking Alternatives

Across the street there is an Ernst & Young parking lot. If you are also shopping in the Target Mall, you can get validation from the mall.

Parking at the Hotel

The hotel has valet parking only, but we have an event discount for you. Simply mention to the valet that you are attending the Japanese Food Festival. Instead of the usual $45, you will be able to park for $22 while spots remain.